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Cardiff has been selected as the city to host , the world music expo, in 2013. The announcement, made today at the Wales Millennium Centre, comes at the end of a year-long campaign to bring the event to the Welsh capital.

Described by as the most important international professional market of world music of every kind, WOMEX evening performances will be held at the Wales Millennium Centre, and the day time showcases, trade fair, conference and film screenings will be held at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff.

The international showcase event is expected to include around 60 concerts featuring 300 plus artists, a trade fair exhibiting in the region of 650 companies from over 90 countries, as well as more than 400 national and international journalists, and will take place from 23-27 October 2013.

Welcoming the news , the 's First Minister said: "WOMEX is a great opportunity to bring the most important world music stage to Wales as well as developing the sector in a sustainable way within our country.

"WOMEX 13 Cardiff will place the music from Wales on the world stage alongside more established markets so that Wales' authentic music traditions become more widely known internationally and are positioned beside music from our Celtic neighbours. Hosting WOMEX will allow us to grow the profile of Wales's traditional music, both within and out of the country."

The bid to host WOMEX in 2013 was led by , a partnership between , and (ACW), with support from and Welsh Government.

Dai Smith, Chair of ACW said: "This is a wonderful achievement for Wales. Persuading WOMEX to come to Wales has been a long-standing ambition for ACW and our partners. This event, of worldwide significance, is an important part of our wider plans to develop a vibrant and exciting music industry in Wales."

Daniela Teuber, WOMEX Director of Production said: "We're very happy that Cardiff will be hosting WOMEX in 2013. The city offers a most favourable setting for our complex event and its 2500 delegates and artists from all over the globe. The production partners in Wales are truly professional and highly motivated. The wonderful venues are in close proximity and match our multifaceted needs. Wales has outstanding cultural wealth, hospitality and scenic beauty."